THE ARTISTIC TYPE: A BLOG OF THEATER, ARTS AND CULTURE

It has been a tough autumn at the little nonprofit Pinocchio's Marionette Theater in Altamonte Springs.

Income at the unique theater, devoted exclusively to puppetry arts, suddenly fell by two-thirds after a successful summer, says executive director Sean Keohane.

"I have never seen it so slow," Keohane says. "We burned through two months of our bank account. In reality, I should have closed if I had any sense. But Christmas is close."

Keohane is optimistic because there's usually an uptick in attendance for the theater's holiday shows. The first, "Santa's Holly Follies," opens Wednesday, Nov. 9. He's banking on larger audiences; otherwise, the theater will likely shut its doors, he said.

It wouldn't be the first time Pinocchio's has struggled. Founded in 1999, the company at first toured its productions. It later had a Winter Park location before moving to the Altamonte Mall. In 2008, the theater closed for about a year and a half.

"Puppet theaters are a rarity," Keohane says. "Not surprisingly, those that exist have in general had problems in the current uncertain economy."

Keohane is working with a supporter on a fundraiser; the theater will also seek donations online through United Arts' Power2Give program. That campaign, at power2give.org, would raise money to offset transportation costs for school groups who wish to visit the theater.

Not only is the puppetry a unique facet of Orlando's artistic landscape, Pinocchio's serves an important function: creating the next generation of theatergoers.

"Part of Pinocchio's mission is to introduce children to the live theater experience and help socialize them to theater etiquette," Keohane says.

Next up will be "The Little Drummer Boy," a 40-minute retelling of the traditional Christmas tale. Showtimes are the same as for "Santa's Holly Follies." Tickets for both shows are $6. For reservations or to check availability a family, group or school, call 407-834-8757 or email BoxOffice@Pinocchios.net. The Altamonte Mall is at 451 E. Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs.